Washington, DC (December 2008)– In celebration of President Elect Barack Obama’s Historic Inauguration and,in a spirit of bipartisanship and diversity, leaders from entertainmentpolitics, business, the military, media, non-profit and community organizationsfrom across the country will attend “The Inaugural Purple Ball” an exclusive formalGala on Tuesday January 20th at the exquisite Fairmont Hotel inWashington, D.C.

A night of celebration and elegance designedto bring together the most influential and diverse leaders of our nation The Inaugural PurpleBallwill benefit the ERACISM Foundation founded by Louis Gossett Jr. Guests will be feted toa delicious champagne dinner, surrounded by exquisitely laid lush purple velvet,and breathtaking crystals. Additionally the gala will honor our veteransand service men and women in recognition of their tireless dedication to serve,protect, and defend our great nation.

Organizers areinviting veterans and troops from each branch of our military including the AirForce, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy, to participate in a drawingin December. A winner from each branch will receive two complimentary VIPtickets to this extraordinary event.

“Our goal is totruly celebrate this momentousoccasion where we as a nation came together and made a historic choice that notonly changed the way the world sees the United States, but how we seeourselves” said Louis Gossett. “Together we can not only fulfill MartinLuther King’s dream but we can proudly live up to the promise of our Pledge ofAllegiance –‘One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice forall’.

Founded in January of 2006 by AcademyAward Winner Louis Gossett Jr., the Eracism Foundation is grounded in its visionto contribute to the betterment of our society by addressing the negative impactsof racism therein. By addressing these issues, connecting individuals to theirhistory/culture, and empowering them with the appropriate educational andtraining resources available in our programs, we will position the recipientsof these services to improve the quality of life in their respective communities.It is our belief that through this vital connection to such services and aconnection to their past, individuals will be better equipped to embark on apositive future for the benefit of their collective communities in the process.